Local and Regional Flaps in Oral Cavity Cancer Reconstruction 2026

Oral cavity cancer presents unique challenges due to the region’s complex anatomy and vital functions. While microvascular reconstruction is the gold standard, it may not always be feasible due to limited resources, accessibility, advanced disease, or high post-operative care demands.

This practical color atlas draws on the authors’ extensive experience to highlight local and regional flaps as effective alternatives in suitable cases. Featuring case examples, step-by-step guides, clear photographs, and access to operative videos, it provides a comprehensive yet accessible approach to reconstruction.

This color atlas serves as a valuable resource for both junior and senior colleagues in the field of oral cancer surgery. It offers a collection of cases to inspire alternative approaches when standard solutions may not suffice.

Surgical excellence lies in simplicity. While all authors are fully trained and practicing microvascular surgeons, the ability to achieve effective reconstruction with the appropriate technique is an art in itself.

1. Buccal mucosa  Clinical Cases Discussion  2. Tongue Key Aspects of Defect Evaluation  Treatment and Reconstructive Strategies Reconstructive Options for Tongue Cancer Clinical cases Discussion  3. Lip  Lower lip Defects  Clinical Cases  Upper Lip Defects  Clinical Cases  Discussion  4. Upper alveolus, hard palate and lower alveolus  Local/pedicled flaps  Palatal defects  Local / regional flaps  Clinical Cases  Discussion  5. Floor of mouth  Reconstructive goals  Clinical Cases  Discussion  6. Reconstructive techniques  Submental Flap  Temporalis Flap  Facial Artery Musculomucosal (FAMM) flap  Deltopectoral Flap  Palatal Island flap  Pectoralis Major Flap  The Nasolabial Flap  Buccal Fat Pad  Platysma Flap  Infrahyoid Flap